The recent record cold weather, especially in the South, will have some lasting impacts on agriculture throughout the new year. On a positive note, a likely benefit includes pest control in places where unseasonably warm weather last year let bugs thrive. On the negative side, many crops, ranging from fruits and vegetables to seedling softwoods that are typically planted in the coming weeks, will be stunted or killed. Meanwhile, poultry producers faced dramatically higher heating costs, particularly those who hatch chicks as they must be kept very warm. One of the biggest and lasting impacts, however, could be on nitrogen fertilizer. Global fertilizer prices were already making a bull run in the fall with China shutting down some productio...
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...